US says navy could escort ships through Strait of Hormuz when its 'militarily possible': Report

Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, says the United States Navy could begin escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz once military conditions allow.

Speaking to Sky News, Bessent said Washington may organise a multinational effort to secure the key shipping route.

“My belief, that as soon as it is militarily possible, the US Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels through,” he said.

Bessent added that some tankers have continued to move through the strait despite the conflict.

“There are, in fact, tankers coming through now, Iranian tankers, I believe some Chinese flag tankers have come through. So we know that they have not mined the straits.”